This Just In: California Governor Bars Cellphone Use By Teen Drivers

According to an article at the Los Angeles Times,
California Governator Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed legislation that
will prohibit Californians under 18 from using cellphones, text
message devices, and laptop computers while driving.

The new
law, which will take effect July 1, 2008, is meant to address the
large number of traffic accidents resulting in deaths and injuries,
Schwarzenegger said during a signing ceremony at Sequoia High School in
Redwood City, adding "This is to eliminate a major distraction for our
young, inexperienced drivers and to make our roadways safer for
everybody."

As the parent of two teenage daughters, the
Governator has already enacted his own cellphone ban in their home,
saying "I told my daughters: 'I give you the car. I give you the
cellphone, but if I see you one time using both at the same time, both
of them are gone.' " Schwarzenegger added, " 'The car will be gone for
a long time and the phone will be gone for a long time. You go to
school with the bus.' They know that."

When
it goes into effect on July 1, 2008, the law will prohibit all
cell-phone use, including hands-free devices, by drivers under the age
of 18. Meanwhile, the rest of California's drivers must go hands-free
when using their cell phones by the same deadline. Teen violators will
face a possible $20 fine for a first offense, and $50 for subsequent
offenses.

According to Teresa Becher, chief of the Golden Gate
Division of the California Highway Patrol, motor vehicle crashes are
the leading cause of death among 16- to 20-year-olds. Reducing
distractions among new drivers is just one of the methods of
encouraging safer driving; prohibiting the use of cellphones and text
message devices is a positive step to ensure safer teen driving.

by Brandy Schaffels
Contributing Editor and mother of a 14-year-old, soon-to-be teen driver.